Protecting Westwind In Perpetuity
The core of WSG’s work starts with protecting and restoring Westwind’s diverse biological and natural assets.
Our conservation efforts are anchored by the protective management layers of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area and Westwind conservation easement, and guided by the Westwind Site Conservation Advisory Group (WSCAG) and the Conservation Plan they prepared in 2006.
A substantial number of the recommendations identified in the 2006 Conservation Plan have already been met by WSG. This includes: enhancing trail design and maintenance; participating in US Forest Service habitat restoration planning; developing a maintenance plan for the emergency road; educating guests and public on responsible use of the beach; improving maintenance of the septic system; creating a fire break on the spit and improving our fire fighting system; and ensuring human use has minimal impacts on land.
In addition to our ongoing work to protect the Westwind site, major conservation efforts over the next three years include:
- Convening the WSCAG regularly to report progress and develop updated goals.
- Developing and implementing a plan to control and remove invasive species.
- Conducting and compiling cultural, geological and vegetation inventories of the site—providing key information for conservation and informing necessary site improvements.
- Designing monitoring approaches and indicators to track progress on conservation goals. We seek a mix of monitoring by experts, staff, and trained volunteers, and monitoring that can be conducted by our guests.
- Identifying other research/monitoring efforts underway in the Salmon River basin and Mid Coast region where WSG could become a partner and Westwind a research site.
- Installation of composting toilets to replace current pit outhouses.
WSG is extremely lucky to have a diverse group of volunteers to guide and conduct much of this conservation work, including WSG Board members, other regional nonprofits, members of the WSCAG, user groups and others. Site inventories, removal of invasives and other conservation activities will be accomplished using a combination of staff, volunteer and contract resources. We are very interested in long-term partnership opportunities with agencies, tribes, academic institutions and nonprofits. Cultural and other inventories will provide important information for long-term facility planning.
